5. Dave Whelan
How can anyone not love Dave Whelan? Chairmans like him are a rarity in modern football - a man not in it for the money, but are driven by their passion for the game and his back story itself made Wigan's recent FA Cup success even more heartwarming. As a player, Whelan had the potential to play for England - a talented full back for Division 1 side Blackburn Rovers. 77 games into his Rovers career, Whelan started in an FA Cup final of his own against Wolves. Known for his robust tackling, 'Crunch' Whelan broke his leg just before half time in his most important match hitherto. Blackburn went on to lose the game 3-0 and the fixture ultimately proved to be Dave's last in the blue and white shirt after injuring the same leg again in his return for their Reserves squad. Almost five years after the fixture, he was able to earn a contract for Crewe Alexandra and went on to appear over 100 times for the then-Fourth Division side. He never reached his dream of playing for England, however. Whelan, former owner of JJB Sports and current owner of DW Sports, bought Wigan Athletic in 1995 when they were a Division Three side. Since then, they have been able to build up to Premier League status and reached as high as 10th in their first top flight season and reached the League Cup final in the same campaign. It is safe to say that DW has played a remarkable role since buying the club and finally won the FA Cup he deserved 53 years ago.